Type of provider
Switching certification body? Quotes requested in 5 minutes
One request of 5 minutes, tailored quotes within a few working days. The certificate simply continues, free and without obligation.
- Fill in your request Tell us about your company and your current certification 5 minutes
- Receive quotations Several tailored quotations in your inbox A few working days
- Compare and choose Review the quotations and choose the best match At your own pace
- Switched successfully After a short file check, your new certification body takes over 2-4 weeks
Can I switch?
Per situation whether the certificate can be transferred, under Global ACI-TECH-3-002 (IAF MD 2), the rules for every transfer. If not, you start again at the new certification body with an initial audit in two stages.
| Situation | Switching | What happens then |
|---|---|---|
| Valid, accredited certificate | Yes | The new certification body takes it over, with the same expiry date. |
| Open minor nonconformity | Yes | It moves along. The new certification body must accept the plan for the solution. |
| Open major nonconformity | Once resolved | Resolve the nonconformity. The new certification body checks this before the certificate is issued. |
| Certification body stops or loses its accreditation | Within 6 months | The transfer must be completed within six months. If the certificate expires sooner, then sooner. |
| Suspended certificate | Not yet | Resolve the cause first. Once the suspension is lifted, you can switch. |
| Expired certificate | Not yet | Within six months the current certification body can restore it, if the recertification is still completed. |
| Audit not done on time | Not yet | Have the overdue audit done by the current certification body first. Then the cycle stays intact. |
| Audit reports missing | Not yet | Request them. The current certification body must provide them on request. |
| Certificate without accreditation | No | Without accreditation there is nothing to transfer, you start again. The Safety Culture Ladder is the exception. |
What happens to the certificate
The new certification body builds on the previous cycle. The expiry date stays the same and the audit programme continues for the remaining years.
- Year 0 Certification audit The certificate is valid for three years
- Year 1 Surveillance audit Sample of part of the system
- Switch Pre-transfer review and decision Review of the documents, not an audit. The decision is made before the next audit.
- Year 2 Surveillance audit The first audit at the new certification body
- Before the end of year 3 Recertification Before the same expiry date as before
Example with a switch after the first surveillance audit. It can happen at any point in the cycle. Only cancel the contract with the current certification body once the new certificate is in place.
What does switching cost?
Extra costs: at most the pre-transfer review
The new certification body first reviews the documents. Whether that costs money differs per certification body: ask about it in the quote. A preliminary visit, only if there is a reason for it such as an open major nonconformity, can also cost money. The audits that were already planned you simply pay as usual, now to the new certification body. What those audits cost per company size is listed per standard: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001.
They requested quotes via CertificeerWijzer
-
Switched in 3 weeks
“The switching process went smoothly and professionally. Within 3 weeks we had switched, and the new certification body understands our process approach much better.”
Managing Director, Zeno Zorg B.V. · ISO 9001 -
Saving: €1,500/year
“Thanks to CertificeerWijzer we switched to a certification body that fits our organisation much better. We save €1,500 a year and the audits are at least as good.”
Director, FleGo B.V. · ISO 27001 + NEN 7510 -
Several quotations within 1 day
“As a start-up founder you already have enough on your plate. Quickly finding the right partner so you can keep building your company is worth its weight in gold. Happy with our certification body and auditor”
Founder, Dufond B.V. · ISO 27001
How to get the best partner at a good price
You enter your details once and receive several quotes. Then you choose which party may support your company.
Frequently asked questions
Want to know more? Read all about switching certification body
Can I simply change certification body?
Yes, you are free to change certification body. Under the international rules (IAF MD 2) you may switch as long as your certificate is valid and not suspended. Your current certification body may not withdraw your certificate just because you switch. The new certification body does carry out a short check of your file before taking over the certification. Read more about the rules
What happens to my current certificate?
Your certificate remains valid during and after the switch. The new certification body takes over the certification for the same standard and within your existing certification cycle. There is no interruption in your certificate status.
How much time and effort does switching take?
Less than you think. Most of the work lies with the certification bodies, not with you. You provide your current audit reports and give permission for the transfer. We arrange the rest: collecting quotations, comparing them and coordinating the transfer. Read the full story
What if I have just had an audit?
Then you can simply switch. The new certification body accepts the recent audit and plans the next audit according to the existing schedule. Your audit cycle continues. Only if there are open major nonconformities do you need to resolve them before the switch is final.
My current auditor knows our company well. Isn't that a waste?
Understandable that you think about that. But a new auditor also brings advantages: a fresh look at your processes and sometimes valuable insights your current auditor overlooks. Moreover, new auditors receive your complete file, so they do not start from scratch. Read why companies switch
Is a cheaper certification body also less good?
Not necessarily. All certification bodies work under internationally recognised accreditation requirements, whether they are accredited by the national accreditation body, UKAS or another body within the IAF network. Price differences arise from company size, efficiency and commercial choices - not from differences in quality. An audit by a cheaper certification body is just as valid as one by a more expensive one.